People run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

People run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

Photo: Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

People run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at... Photo-5683380.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Girls react to the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay during the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in Seattle, Wash. About 300 people participated in the first Polar Bear Plunge in 2003; since then, attendance has nearly reached 1,000 attendees. less

Girls react to the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay during the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in Seattle, Wash. About 300 people participated in the first Polar Bear ... more

Photo: Jordan Stead, AP

Girls react to the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay during the 12th... Photo-5683304.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Hundreds of brave souls charged into the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay during the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in Seattle, Wash. About 300 people participated in the first Polar Bear Plunge in 2003; since then, attendance has nearly reached 1,000 attendees. less

Hundreds of brave souls charged into the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay during the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in Seattle, Wash. About 300 people participated in ... more

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683389.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

Photo: Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at... Photo-5683381.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Men stare at a woman, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's plunge into the North Sea. less

Men stare at a woman, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's plunge into ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

Men stare at a woman, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend,... Photo-5683334.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Cold water enthusiasts enjoy the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's plunge into the North Sea. less

Cold water enthusiasts enjoy the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

Cold water enthusiasts enjoy the water, at the Belgian North Sea... Photo-5683335.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Enthusiasts enjoy the cold water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's plunge into the North Sea. less

Enthusiasts enjoy the cold water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

Enthusiasts enjoy the cold water, at the Belgian North Sea town of... Photo-5683336.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Two women run out of the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's plunge into the North Sea. less

Two women run out of the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

Two women run out of the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of... Photo-5683337.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Polar bear plungers Mike Kuharik of Smithville, left, Kira Dougherty of Galloway, and Sven Peltonen of Brigantine, get ready to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean at 12th Street in Brigantine, N.J., Wednesday Jan 1, 2014. Brigantine held it's annual New Year's Day polar bear plunge to start off the new year with hundreds of participants taking part in the event by running into the icy Atlantic Ocean to kick off 2014. less

Polar bear plungers Mike Kuharik of Smithville, left, Kira Dougherty of Galloway, and Sven Peltonen of Brigantine, get ready to take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean at 12th Street in Brigantine, N.J., Wednesday Jan ... more

Jacob "Dr. J" Neufeld, with the (St. Luke's Children's Hospital) Children's Rehab Warriors Team celebrates after exiting Lucky Peak Lake in Boise, Idaho during Make-A-Wish Idaho's 11th Annual Great Polar Bear Challenge, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. At the time of the Great Polar Bear Challenge, water temperature was 33 degrees, air temperature was 34 degrees, and the wind chill was 27 degrees. less

Participants rush from the water after taking a dip in Lucky Peak Lake in Boise, Idaho during Make-A-Wish Idaho's 11th Annual Great Polar Bear Challenge. At the time of the Great Polar Bear Challenge, water temperature was 33 degrees, air temperature was 34 degrees, and the wind chill was 27 degrees, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2014. less

Participants rush from the water after taking a dip in Lucky Peak Lake in Boise, Idaho during Make-A-Wish Idaho's 11th Annual Great Polar Bear Challenge. At the time of the Great Polar Bear Challenge, water ... more

Photo: Kyle Green, AP

Participants rush from the water after taking a dip in Lucky Peak... Photo-5683326.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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A swimmer gets a towel as New Year's revelers and distance runners plunged into the waters of Fishers Island Sound off Esker Point Beach in Groton, Conn., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 as part of the annual Mystic New Year's Run and Swim. The event was one of four area swims on New Year's Day; one in New London, another in Groton and one in Westerly, Rhode Island. less

A swimmer gets a towel as New Year's revelers and distance runners plunged into the waters of Fishers Island Sound off Esker Point Beach in Groton, Conn., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 as part of the annual Mystic ... more

Photo: Sean D. Elliot, AP

A swimmer gets a towel as New Year's revelers and distance... Photo-5683328.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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A man poses for photographers in the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's plunge into the North Sea. less

A man poses for photographers in the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

A man poses for photographers in the water, at the Belgian North... Photo-5683330.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Cold water enthusiasts enjoy the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New Year's plunge into the North Sea. less

Cold water enthusiasts enjoy the water, at the Belgian North Sea town of Ostend, Belgium, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Thousands of swimmers jumped and dived into frigid waters as they took part in the annual New ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

Cold water enthusiasts enjoy the water, at the Belgian North Sea... Photo-5683332.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Swimmers, some in unusual costume, swim in the frigid waters at Coney Island beach in New York Wednesday, Jan. 1 2014, as they take part in the 111th Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge.

Swimmers, some in unusual costume, swim in the frigid waters at Coney Island beach in New York Wednesday, Jan. 1 2014, as they take part in the 111th Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge.

Thrill seekers make their way back to land after taking the plunge in the cold water during the 5th Annual Pine Creek Polar Bear Plunge in Valley View Park in Valley View, Pa., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. The event is a benefit for the Pine Creek Trout Nursery. Pine Creek Trout Nursery is a cooperative of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and the Valley View Gun Club. Each year, the nursery gets approximately 6,500 fish that are grown at the nursery and then used for a fishing rodeo and stocking local creeks. less

Thrill seekers make their way back to land after taking the plunge in the cold water during the 5th Annual Pine Creek Polar Bear Plunge in Valley View Park in Valley View, Pa., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. The ... more

Photo: Jacqueline Dormer, AP

Thrill seekers make their way back to land after taking the plunge... Photo-5683317.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Thrill seekers make their way back to land after taking the plunge in the cold water during the 5th Annual Pine Creek Polar Bear Plunge in Valley View Park in Valley View, Pa., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. The event is a benefit for the Pine Creek Trout Nursery. Pine Creek Trout Nursery is a cooperative of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and the Valley View Gun Club. Each year, the nursery gets approximately 6,500 fish that are grown at the nursery and then used for a fishing rodeo and stocking local creeks. less

Thrill seekers make their way back to land after taking the plunge in the cold water during the 5th Annual Pine Creek Polar Bear Plunge in Valley View Park in Valley View, Pa., Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. The ... more

Photo: Jacqueline Dormer, AP

Thrill seekers make their way back to land after taking the plunge... Photo-5683318.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Swimmers, some in unusual costumes, enter and exit the frigid waters at Coney Island beach in New York Wednesday, Jan. 1 2014, as they take part in the 111th Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge.

Swimmers, some in unusual costumes, enter and exit the frigid waters at Coney Island beach in New York Wednesday, Jan. 1 2014, as they take part in the 111th Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge.

A Swimmers emerges after jumping into the frigid waters at Coney Island beach in New York Wednesday, Jan. 1 2014, as they take part in the 111th Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge.

A Swimmers emerges after jumping into the frigid waters at Coney Island beach in New York Wednesday, Jan. 1 2014, as they take part in the 111th Annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge.

Photo: Craig Ruttle, AP

A Swimmers emerges after jumping into the frigid waters at Coney... Photo-5683314.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Overcast skies, spitting rain and a posted water temperature of 37 degrees could not keep a crowd from turning out to participate in the Polar Plunge, a local New Year's Day tradition, on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Auke Bay, Alaska. less

Overcast skies, spitting rain and a posted water temperature of 37 degrees could not keep a crowd from turning out to participate in the Polar Plunge, a local New Year's Day tradition, on Wednesday, Jan. 1, ... more

A lone shoe floats unattended following the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in Seattle, Wash. About 300 people participated in the first Polar Bear Plunge in 2003; since then, attendance has nearly reached 1,000 attendees. less

A lone shoe floats unattended following the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in Seattle, Wash. About 300 people participated in the first Polar Bear Plunge in 2003; ... more

People run to the ocean during the Ocean Lakes 13th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Ocean Lakes Family Campground, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. Each person donated a nonperishable food item that will go to local food banks. less

People run to the ocean during the Ocean Lakes 13th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Ocean Lakes Family Campground, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. Each person donated a nonperishable food item ... more

Photo: Charles Slate, AP

People run to the ocean during the Ocean Lakes 13th annual Polar... Photo-5683297.77146 - Houston Chronicle

After charging into the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay, a team of attendees began a quick game of pickup volleyball during the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in Seattle, Wash. About 300 people participated in the first Polar Bear Plunge in 2003; since then, attendance has nearly reached 1,000 attendees. less

After charging into the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay, a team of attendees began a quick game of pickup volleyball during the 12th Annual Polar Bear Plunge Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Matthews Beach Park in ... more

Photo: Jordan Stead, AP

After charging into the frigid waters of Pontiac Bay, a team of... Photo-5683303.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683395.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683396.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 39 of 60

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683397.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 40 of 60

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683398.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Revelers embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than two million were expected to attend the celebrations at Copacabana to ring in 2014. Brazil is gearing up to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. less

Revelers embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than two million were expected ... more

A wave crashes as revelers watch fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than two million were expected to attend the celebrations at Copacabana to ring in 2014. Brazil is gearing up to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. less

A wave crashes as revelers watch fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than two million were expected ... more

Couple embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than two million were expected to attend the celebrations at Copacabana to ring in 2014. Brazil is gearing up to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. less

Couple embrace while watching fireworks explode minutes after midnight along Copacabana Beach during New Year's celebrations on January 1, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than two million were expected to ... more

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683390.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 45 of 60

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683391.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 46 of 60

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683392.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 47 of 60

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683393.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Two swimmers over eighty-years-old take part in the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) in the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the traditional New Year's Day dip, which this year attracted more than 200 swimmers. less

Two swimmers over eighty-years-old take part in the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) in the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of ... more

Photo: Laura Lezza, Getty Images

Two swimmers over eighty-years-old take part in the 'New... Photo-5683383.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Swimmers toast with champagne in the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea during the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the traditional New Year's Day dip, which this year attracted more than 200 swimmers. less

Swimmers toast with champagne in the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea during the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the ... more

Photo: Laura Lezza, Getty Images

Swimmers toast with champagne in the cold water of the Tyrrhenian... Photo-5683384.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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Swimmers take part in the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) in the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the traditional New Year's Day dip, which this year attracted more than 200 swimmers. less

Swimmers take part in the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) in the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the traditional New Year's ... more

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683386.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 52 of 60

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they joins around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they joins around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683387.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 53 of 60

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on January 1, 2014 in South Queensferry, Scotland. An estimated eighty thousand people gathered last night in Edinburgh to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations. less

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they join around 1,000 New Year swimmers, many in costume, in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim in the River Forth on ... more

Photo: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Members of the public wearing fancy dress enter the water as they... Photo-5683388.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 54 of 60

People run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

People run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

Photo: Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

People run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at... Photo-5683377.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 55 of 60

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

Photo: Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at... Photo-5683379.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 56 of 60

Swimmers take a souvenir picture before dipping into the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea during the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the traditional New Year's Day dip, which this year attracted more than 200 swimmers. less

Swimmers take a souvenir picture before dipping into the cold water of the Tyrrhenian Sea during the 'New Year's Dip' (Tuffo di Capodanno) on January 1, 2014 in Livorno, Italy. This year marked the 30th ... more

Photo: Laura Lezza, Getty Images

Swimmers take a souvenir picture before dipping into the cold... Photo-5683382.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 57 of 60

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

Photo: Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at... Photo-5683373.77146 - Houston Chronicle

Image 58 of 60

People wait to run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean. less

People wait to run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in ... more

Photo: Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

People wait to run into the water just off the Boardwalk January 1,... Photo-5683375.77146 - Houston Chronicle

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People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Hundreds of people gathered for the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear swim in the ocean.

Photo: Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

People wade in the water just off the Boardwalk January 1, 2014 at... Photo-5683371.77146 - Houston Chronicle